School Improvement » ATSI Parent Letter (10/31/25)

ATSI Parent Letter (10/31/25)

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I hope the school year is off to a successful start for you and your child. I am writing this letter to let you know that Millers Creek Elementary has been designated as an Additional Targeted Support & Improvement (ATSI) school by the North Carolina State Board of Education. Per ESSA Section 1111(d)(2)(C), schools are identified as ATSI schools in North Carolina because one or more of the following subgroups received a subgroup performance grade score at or below the highest identified CSILP school's All Students group during the identification year; and is on the TSI-CU list for the subgroup(s) for the previous year. Subgroup performance scores are provided for the following subgroups: (1) Students with Disabilities, (2) Economically Disadvantaged, (3) Black, (4) White, (5) Hispanic, (6) Asian-Pacific Islander, (7) Multi-racial, and (8) English Learners. This letter is to notify our parents and guardians of Millers Creek Elementary's intentions to improve educational outcomes for underperforming student subgroups and close achievement gaps for all students.

As an ATSI school, Millers Creek Elementary is required to develop an Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) plan that specifically addresses how the school will improve outcomes for underperforming subgroups. The plan will also include strategies that our district or charter will employ to support Millers Creek Elementary's improvement efforts. The ATSI plan will address the following areas:

  • Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Student Support Service

We have set the following goals for Miller Creek Elementary this year:

  • Our EC population will grow from a proficiency of 36% to a proficiency of 41% by May of 2026.

Here are some strategies that we will be implementing to improve student outcomes:

  • Exceptional Children (EC) staff will participate monthly in High Leverage Practices (HLPs) for Exceptional Children
  • Weekly PLCs for our EC staff to review data and plan

Also, parent engagement is at the heart of our school improvement efforts. Here are some ways we can work together:

  • Ensure that both you and your child know the academic expectations set for your child this school year. A list of learning objectives in student-friendly language is available from your student's teacher(s).
  • Call Nikki Patrick (336) 903-6000 if you have questions or concerns about your student or to set up an appointment to meet with a school staff member who will be working with your child.
  • Make sure that your child is prepared and attends school each day.
  • Monitor your child's homework.
  • Monitor the progress your child is making and attend meetings with your child's teacher(s).
  • Keep track of our website and social media sites- https://mces.wilkescountyschools.org/
  • Volunteer.
  • Join the PTO.

Additionally, listed below are a few resources available to help:

We are committed to improving student performance. It is important to remember that just as no single score or grade tells the whole story of a student, neither does it tell you everything about a school's performance or the opportunities that our school provides. The intent of receiving these designations is to improve educational outcomes for all students, close achievement gaps, increase equity, and improve the quality of instruction. We're excited about this school year and are working to make it a success for your child. Already, we have:

  • Students participating in WIN time (What I Need) instruction, targeted at student needs for interventions and enrichment
  • Small group instruction in Reading and Math each day

If you have questions about the content of this letter, please contact Nikki Patrick at
[email protected] or (336) 984-9571

Sincerely,

Nikki Patrick